The agreement is in line with Frontier’s action plan to reduce fuel consumption which will lead to low operational costs and eventually low fares for customers
29 January 2021: Frontier Airlines have signed an agreement with Pratt & Whitney for ultra-efficient GTF engines to power 134 A320neo family aircraft scheduled for delivery beginning in 2022. The GTF engines offer maximum efficiency and significant noise reduction. These engines will power 49 A320neo, 67 A321neo and 18 A321XLR aircraft. The agreement includes 268 installed engines plus spares as well as an engine maintenance agreement with Pratt & Whitney that includes on-site technical support.
Barry Biffle, president and CEO of Frontier Airlines said, “Frontier Airlines is at the forefront of green innovation in the airline industry and this deal for advanced GTF engines from Pratt & Whitney is extremely significant in our continued action plan to reduce fuel consumption. Frontier is already the most fuel-efficient US airline and operating with this new engine technology will result in additional fuel savings which translates to operational cost reductions we can pass on to consumers in the form of low fares.”
Rick Deurloo, Chief Commercial Officer, Pratt & Whitney said, “It is with immense pride and excitement that we welcome Frontier Airlines to the Pratt & Whitney family. With the GTF engine, Frontier will be getting more than fuel efficiency and environmental responsibility; Pratt & Whitney will be with Frontier every step of the way, supporting their operations for decades to come.”
The Pratt & Whitney GTF (geared turbofan) engine uses revolutionary geared fan technology, which allows each part of the engine to spin at its optimal speed, thereby delivering the highest level of fuel efficiency and economic benefit to airlines. Compared to previous-generation aircraft, the GTF engine reduces fuel burn and carbon emissions by 16 percent and noise footprint by 75 percent, while bringing nitrogen oxide emissions 50 percent below the regulatory standard.
Frontier has the largest A320neo fleet in the US, the use of these aircraft, Frontier’s seating configuration, weight-saving tactics and baggage process have all contributed to the airline’s average of 43 percent fuel savings compared to other US airlines which makes Frontier the most fuel-efficient US airline.
